Meet Betty McAdams
Minimally invasive back surgery restores mobility to a local dog trainer
Some people sail off into retirement, but not Betty McAdams. When the Marstons Mill retiree ended her career as the Barnstable Registrar of Deeds, she took up dog agility training with her two Shelties. A self-described animal lover, McAdams wanted to spend some time doing something active with Fly and Blue.
Agility training involves running along side the dog as he runs and jumps over obstacles. It is physically demanding for the trainer and requires mobility and strength. “It is stressful on your body,” said McAdams. “You have to be able to move, spin and turn quickly and change sides with the dogs. There’s a bit to it.”
During the winter of 2015, McAdams herniated a disc while trying to keep up with the mounds of snow piling up in her driveway. The searing pain radiating down her leg led her to Neurosurgeon Paul Houle MD, FAANS.
“What I really wanted was to run my dogs.,” said McAdams. “Dr. Houle said he thought he could make that happen, and he did!”
Using state of the art technology, Dr. Houle performed an endoscopic discectomy - a minimally invasive procedure that removes the injured disc and opens more space around the nerves. It has less down time and a quicker recovery that conventional back surgery.
McAdams is recovering well. “On day one, I woke up and the pain was gone. We never appreciate good health until we don’t have it. Now I am back to doing what I love to do.”
You can continue to learn more about Betty McAdams’ story by watching the following video.
